Friday, November 18, 2022

REVIEW: DANA CUNNINGHAM: - Homecoming: Songs of Comfort and Joy

Homecoming: Songs of Comfort and Joy 
Fountain Creek Music (2022)

With so many holiday/Christmas music offerings out there, even in just the new age/contemporary instrumental genres, it always helps to distinguish oneself from the “pack.” Dana Cunningham does that in two distinct ways. One is her playing which is the epitome of a blend of nuanced control and technical proficiency. The other aspect, and the most important for this review, is to arrange traditional carols in a way that they are both recognizable and yet completely fresh, without losing the carols’ seasonal appeal. In this latter way, Cunningham’s Homecoming: Songs of Comfort and Joy is a testament to the artist’s composing and performing skills.

As seems to be the norm these days, Cunningham features nine traditional carols and three “seasonal-sounding” originals. As to the latter, it’s difficult to adequately describe what makes an original song “fit” on a holiday album, but in this instance, whether it be tone, tempo, or melody, they do.  Regarding the subject of traditional carols, Cunningham’s arrangements are certainly imaginative, but each one does retain enough musical “references” to be recognizable. In some cases, more than others, her alterations (for lack of a better word) actually enhance the backbone of the “standard” arrangement. It’s obvious that this album is intensely personal to Cunningham and her carefully nuanced playing, which either flows with a lyrical sensation or flirts in a sparser approach, conveys discernible intimacy. I hesitate to refer to the album’s mood as fully introspective, but it’s closer to that than cheerful or celebratory.

Two guest artists appear on certain tracks - Max Dyer on cello and Mike Sakash on saxophone. While their background playing provides soulful and extremely complementary elements, Cunningham’s piano is always in the forefront on the carols and songs. It’s the core of the listening experience. For myself, I think this is a great late-night soundtrack or, perhaps, on a cold, grey, even stormy days (a snowstorm, of course!). Lastly, from a technical standpoint, the album is excellent, thanks to Gerry Putnam’s production.

Homecoming: Songs of Comfort and Joy would be a welcome and worthy addition to anyone’s holiday music collection. It is one of more heartfelt Christmas albums I have reviewed in many years.

Homecoming is available for purchase via the artist's website here

CREDITS
All piano arrangements of traditional carols by Dana Cunningham. Original songs composed by Dana Cunningham
Album produced by Dana Cunningham
Album recorded, mixed, and mastered by Gerry Putnam at CedarHouse Sound and Mastering, North Sutton, New Hampshire
Art direction and design by Bruce Kennett
Cover painting "Winter Forest" by Michelle Courier



4 comments:

Tom Thiel said...

Having known Dana and her work since the beginning, I am heartily pleased by her continued growth and development. I am certainly not alone in wanting connections to the ineffable, the unfolding journey. This album brings me that joy, wakes me on that path, beyond these sweet moments of deep listening. It stirs further appreciation of how music can unlock our hearts and raise our spirits through beauty toward openness to grace.

My congratulations to Dana, and gratitude for your inspiration and persistence.

Tom Thiel

ESLAM UWK said...

شركات المصاعد في مصر مصر للمصاعد توريد وتركيب وصيانة وقطع غيار لجميع أنواع المصاعد "ركاب - مستشفيات - فنادق - جامعات" خدمات ما بعد البيع - سرعة تلبية احتياجات العملاء

CLADING2222 said...

يحتاج نقل الاثاث الي ونش رفع اثاث من اجل انزال ورفع القطع الكبيره من الادوار العالية وبهذا نستغني عن السلالم الضيقة ومداخل المنازل , كذلك يحتاج النقل الي سيارات مجهزة علي اعلي مستوي مستوي فصناديق تلك السيارات مجهزة من الداخل بأحدث انواع الاربطة حيث يتم ربط كل قطعة من الاثاث حتي لا يتعرض الي اي رجرجة اثناء النقل ومن ثم توصيله بدون خدش واحد للعميل

CLADING2222 said...

الجلطات العميقة هي جلطة دموية تتطور داخل الوريد أو أكثر من الأوردة العميقة في الجسم والتي في العادة ما تكون في الساقين ويعتبر الدكتور
محمود ناصر افضل دكتور في مصر متخصص في علاج الجلطات العميقة وبالتالي تتخلص من اعراض هذا المرض لتي تتمثل في
لشعور بألم في منطقة الساقا.
وجود تورم في الساق أو اليد.
احمرار أو تشوه في جلد الساق.